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MACHINE FOR FORMING TYPE BARS.

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MACHINE FOR FORMING TYE BARS. No. 378,7917. Patented Feb. 28, 1888.

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MAGHINE PoR PORMING TYPE BARS.V

No. 378,797. f A1267139717971'Feb. 28'; 1888.

a fQQL ITE STATES PATENT EricE.

- OTTMAR MERGENTHALER, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, ASSIGNOR TO THE NATIONALTYPOGRAPHIO COMPANY, OF VEST VIRGINIA.

lldiCl-HNA FOR FORIVHNG TYPE-BARS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 378,797. dated February28, 1888.

Application tiled March 23, 1886. Serial No. 196,270.

.To @ZZ whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, OTTMAR MERGENTHA- LEE, of the city of Baltimore andState of Maryland, have invented certain Improvements in Machines forForming Type-Bars, Type-Matrices, che., of which the following is aspecification.

The present *invention relates to various improvements in those machinesfor casting ro type-bars in which a key mechanism serves to deliverindividual matrices or type from magazine-tubes to a guide or conductorthrough which they are driven loy a blast of air to the point ofassemblage, whence they are delivered i5 in a body to a castingmechanism by which a bar is formed bearing on its edge the characters ofthe entire line of matrices, after which the matrices are conveyed to adistributing mechanism which serves to return them to the 2c respectivetubes from which they started. Ma-

chines of this general type are represented in Letters Patent of theUnited States granted to me on the 12th day of May,1885,N 0.317 ,828,and on the 17th day of August, 1886, No. z5 317,629, and in applicationfiled May 11,1885,

The present improvements have reference more particularly to theconstruction of the magazine-tubes; to means for holding the matgo rcesin position during their passage through the guideway, so that they maynot be displaced by the air-blast; to means for regulating the reactionof the finger-keys in order that the matrices may have time to escapefrom the magazine-tubes; to improved devicesfor retaining the matricesin close form during their assemblage; for transferring the assembledline to the casting mechanism; to details of the casting mechanism; tovarious details of 4o mechanism for transferring the matrices after thecasting operation to the distributing-bar and for advancing them oversaid bar; to means for automatically stopping the distributiug intheevent of a matrix binding or falling at an improper point, and tovarious features of minor importance.

Vhile I have illustrated in the accompanying drawingaand will moreparticularly describe, my improvements as embodied in a ma- 5o chine forcasting from molten metal bars type- (No mndeLl high, each hearing theletters to print an entire line,such as represented at Figure 1,it is tobe understood that many of the features maybe employed in connectionwith machines using male type for the formation of matrices and inmachines adapted for the production of relief-plates in page form-thatis to say,with a series of lines thereon. As regards their external formand their combination with the deliveriug, assembling, clamping,anddistributing 6o mechanisms, matrices having intaglio characters and thetype having cameo characters are to be considered mechanicalequivalents.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 represents a front elevation of amachine em- 6 5 bodying my improvements. Fig. 1 is a perspective view ofone of the type-hars, the product of my machine; Fig. 2, an endelevation of the machine viewed from the left; Fig. 3, an end elevationof the machine viewed from 7C the right. Fig. 4 is a cross-section onthe line 1 1 of Fig. 1, showing more particularly the manner in whichthe magazine is'suspended and the stop mechanism of the distributer,Fig. 5 is a front elevation of the magazine and 7 5 its connections onan enlarged scale. Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-section of the same on theline 2 2 of the preceding iigure. Fig. 6a is a horizontal section on theline 6 6 of Figs. 5 and 6, showing the sectional form of themagazine-tubes. Fig. 7 is a side view of one of the matrices or type,showing particularly the notches to receive the locking-bar by which itis retained in the conductor-tube. Fig. Sis a vertical longitudinalsection on the line 3 3 of 85 Fig. 9 through one end ofthe magazine, thekey mechanism, the conductor-tube, and attendant parts, showingparticularly the devices for locking the matrices in the conductor andthe connection of said devices with the iinger- 9o keys. Fig. 9 is ahorizontal section on the line 4 4 of the preceding figure. Fig. 10 is aperspective View showing the connections for retardiug the return motionof the key mechanism to secure the dropping of the matrices. 9 5 Fig. 11is a top plan view of the bed-plate and attendant parts, showing theconductor tube or guide and the various devices for assembling thematrices and transferring the same to the casting mechanism. Fig. 12 isa vertical crossroo section on the line 5 5 of the preceding figure,showing the arrangement of the locking-bars and the manner in which theyengage the matrices. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the locking-barsAand their guide-pins detached. Fig. 14 is a plan view, on an enlargedscale, of the matrix-conducting rails or guides, together with theassembling and indicating mechanism used therewith, the movable pawlsbeing retracted. Fig. 15 is a similar view with the movable pawlsadvanced against the matrices. Fig. 16 is a cross-section on the line 77 of Figs. 14 and 15, showing the frame by which the pawls aresustained. Fig. 17 is a vertical section on the line 8 8. Fig. 18 is ahorizontal section through one of the conducting or guiding rails,showing one of the detainingpawls and its actuating-spring. Fig. 19 is aside elevation of the mechanism by which the matrices are transferredfrom the upper supporting-rails to the distributing-rail and the devicesfor moving them over the latter, the lifting-linger being in itsdepressed position. Fig. 20 is a like View with the lifting-fingerin itsupper position. Fig. 21 is a longitudinal vertical central section onthe lines 9 9 of Figs. 2 and 22, showing particularly the manner inwhich the distributing-rail is sustained. Fig. 22 is a verticalcross-section on the line 10 10 of the preceding gure. Fig. 22fb is avertical longitudinal section through one end of the distributer-bar andits support, showing the manner in which it is connected at one end onlyto the frame. Fig. 221 is a top plan view of the same parts,illustrating particularly the manner in which its sides are cut away topermit the engagement of the carrier-plates by which it is supported.Fig. 23 is an elevation, partly in cross-section, on the lines 11 11 ofFigs. 1, 19, 20, and 21. Fig. 24 is an end elevation, partly in section,of the distributer-rail and the devices shown in Figs. 19 and 20 forlifting the matrices thereto, together with attendant parts. Fig. 25 isa side view of one of the matrix-supporting rails and the inclines bywhich the matrices are guided therefrom upward to the distributingrail.Fig. 26 is a top plan view of one of the spring-fingers shown in thepreceding figure. Fig. 27 is a view showing in side elevation, in edgeelevation, and in cross-section one of the `justifying-bars. Fig. 28 isa perspective view of one of the carrier-plates by which the matricesare advanced over the distributer-rail. Fig. 29 is a diagram showing incross-section the magazine and circuit-closing devices, and inperspective the driving-gear and its magnetic attachments connected withthe circuit devices to stop the distributer. Fig. 30 is an end elevationof the devices for retaining the justifying or spacing slides anddelivering the same, one at a time, to the line of matrices in course ofcomposition. Fig. 31 is a side elevation of the parts shown in thepreceding figure. Fig. 32 is a cross-section on the line 12 12 of Fig.30. Fig. 33 is a side View showing the lips by which the space-bars areretained in the operating devices. Fig.'34 is a vertical cross-sectionon the line 13 13 of Fig. 1 through the casting mechanism and attendantparts, showing also, in side elevation, the various cams, gears, &c.,for imparting motion to the principal parts of the machine. Figs. 35,36, and37 are cross-sections of the matrix guide or channel, showingmodified forms of the devices for locking the matrices therein.

In its general organization the present machine resembles very closelythat represented in my application filed October 21, 1885, No.,

Referring to Fig. 1, A represents a rigid main frame adapted to sustainthe various parts hereinafter described; B, the magazine, consisting ofa series of upright tubes arranged side by side; C, a key mechanismconsisting of a series or bank of iinger-keys-one for eachmagazine-tube-adapted to deliver the matrices one at a time therefrom;D, a horizontal conductor rail or channel into which the matrices aredropped one at a time in an upright position, and through which they aredriven by a blast delivered from an air-nozzle, E, to the point ofassemblage at the left hand of the conductor against a detaining-inger,F; G, movable pawls by which the line of assembled matrices is advancedover and beyond the rail D to the secondary lifting-rails H, which standnormally in line with the conductor D in position to sustain thematrices in front of the mold wheel or disk I; J, a horizontallymovingclamp by which the matrices suspended in the lifting-rails are forcedbackward against the mouth of the melting-pot K, from which the metal isreceived to fill the mold and form the type-bar.

L are horizontal overhead rails to which the matrices are transferredafter being lifted from the mold by the rails H through the action of areciprocating slide, M'.

O are inclined blocks up which the matrices ride with the assistance ofa reciprocating finger, P, to the end of a stationary distributingrail,Q, over which they are advanced by teeth depending from the travelingblocks R, attached to endless bands S, traveling around suitableguide-pulleys. rlhe matrices drop from the rail at suitable points intothe upper ends of the proper tubes to pass again through the machine.

I will now describe in detail the various improvements forming part ofthe present invention. Instead of constructing the magazinetubes withsmooth interior surfaces and of different widths corresponding to thethickness of the matrices which they are to receive, as in my formermachine, I now form them of uniform size, and adapt them to receive typeof different thicknesses by grooving or otherwise indenting them fromthe outside in such manner as to form internal ribs or projections, a,Fig. 6. These ribs will be raised to a greater or less extent on theinterior of the tube, according to the thickness of the matrices to becontained therein, the distance be- IOO 'failing to descend the tube.

tween the ribs on opposite sides being in each ease slightly in excessof the thickness of the matrix. The ribs, in addition to their otheradvantages, reduce the bearing-surface of the matrix within the tube, sothat there is no danger of the matrix adhering to the walls or They alsoafford a space around the exterior of the matrix for the passage of air,so that the matrix may drop readily through the tube without resistance.I commonly construct each tube of copper or like material in oneseamless piece, and terminate the ribs or indentations at a shortdistance from the upper ends of the tubes, in order to leave thereceiving ends or mouths of full size to facilitate the entrance of thematrices. The tubes are grouped side by side between horizontal barsc,secured to arear frame, d, which is suspended by lugs e at its topfrom lips on the main frame, as plainly shown in Fig. 4, thisarrangement permitting the entire magazine, with the key-board attached,to be lifted from the machine at will, as described in my previousapplication. i In order to adjust the lower end of the magazine asdesired,

I provide the main frame with horizontal screws f, as shown in Fig. 4,to bear against the frame d.

rlhe ngerk-eys C are ofthe same construe tion as those represented inPatentNo. 347,629, before mentioned, as plainly shown in Figs. S and 10,each consisting of a rockshaft having a lateral finger key or lever atone end, and at the opposite end a widened port-ion slotted verticallyto ad mit of the matrix dropping therethrough from the magazine-tubeinto the conductor beneath. Each key has an upright arm, g, acting, asin the original machine, through intermediate devices to divert theair-blastfrom the conductor until the matrix is dropped into position inthe latter.

As an appreciable time is required for the matrix to pass through andescape from the key, the key must be held momentarily in a depressedposition, or otherwise there is a liability of the matrix being stoppedin its pas' sage. In order to relieve the operator of this labor, Iprovide the automatic key-retarding mechanism shown in Fig. 10. Overeach key there is pivoted to the frame aspring-aetuated XV hen the keyis depressed to drop the matrix, this dog engages behind the arm g andholds the key down. Lengthwise of the machine there extends a slidingbar, z', having shoulders to trip all the dogs h, and thus release theiingerkcys, that they may return to their original positions. This baris urged forward to trip the keys by aspring, 7c, acting thereon throughan arm, Z. To prevent the instantaneous action of this spring, I connectto arm Za pawl, m., which engages a ratchetwheel, n, on a shaft, o,which is driven by apulley continnonslyand at a moderate rate of speedfrom the main shaft of the machine or any other constantly-moving part.The arm Z, to which the spring lt is connected, is of angular form,pivoted near its lower end, and provided at the lower end with anarmature, p, in the field of the electro-magnet g, the attraction ofwhich causes the bar t' to overcome the strain of the spring and move tothe left, thereby releasing the dogs 7L, that they may engage the arms gwhen the keys are depressed.

rIhe magnet is mounted in a circuit embrac ing a battery orothergenerator and terminating in two disconnected conductingplates, rand r', the former xed in place and thelatter arranged to reciprocateendwise. The two plates have lateral studs to encounter the keyarms g.These arms stand normally in contact with the studs of plate r', but outof contact with those of plate o', the circuit being open. Vhen any keyis depressed, its arm g urges the plate 1" to the left, and finallyencounters a stud on the plate r, thereby completing the circuit throughsaid arm, whereupon the magnet, moving the bar i, permits theappropriate dog 7L to fall behind the arm g and hold the key down, themovement of the bar z' at the same time retracting the pawl m, that itmay en-v gage anew in the wheel n. TWhen relieved from the pressure ofthe linger, the key rises very slightly, causing its arm g, beforeencountering the dog, to leave the stud on the plate r, and thus openthe circuit, so that the bar r is relieved from the iniiuence of themagnet. The bar t', under the inliuence of spring 7c, immediatelycommences to move to the right to et'ect'the release of the dog and key;but as its movement is retarded by the pawi and wheel suliicient time isgiven for the matrix to escape from the key before the bartreaches apoint at which it acts on the dog. Vhen t-he dog is disengaged by thebar t, the finger-key and the plate r' assume their normal positions,again opening the circuit, leaving the circuit open. The magnet is usedin vorder that the bar i may be relieved from the action of the spring7c for the time being, so that the'dogs may engage the keys. As thespring. It must be stronger than the springs which actuate the dogs,itwill be seen that the constant strain of the spring 7c isinadmissible.

The essence of the foregoing improvement resides in the employment of akeylocking mechanism operated by a constantlymoving part of themachineto hold the key down for a proper period of time after the operator hasremoved his finger therefrom.

Owing to the violence ofthe blast employed for driving the matricesthrough the channel or conductor D,I find it advisable to hold them downin place therein during their passage therethrough. To this end Ipropose to use horizontal locking` devices to engage the matrices in anymanner which will admit of their sliding freely through the conductor,but pre Vent them from rising therefrom.

The matrices are made, as shown in Fig. 7, in essentially the same formas in my previous machincs,with shoulders s on their edges near the topto ride on the side rails of the conductor, and thus maintain the matrixin an upright position therein. Inow provide each IIO matrix, inaddition to the features heretofore employed, with the notches t in itstwo edges near the lower end. In each side of the conductor D, near thebottom of its channel or passage, I mount a longitudinal andhorizontally-movable plate or loeking-bar,a. (Plainly represented inFigs. 8, 9, 12, and 13.) These bars are provided with oblique grooves o,through which fixed vertical pins w are passed, as shown in Fig. 13, sothat when the bars are moved endwise in one direction they will slideoutward from the conductor, in order to permit the matrix to descendtherein. On being moved in the opposite direction they will slide intothe conductor and enter the notches in the edges of the matrix, asplainly shown in Fig. 12, thus securing the matrix within the conductor,leaving it, however, free to slidein its upright position through theconductor to the point of assemblage or composition. It is to bedistinctly understood that I do not restrict myselfto this form orarrangement of the locking devices. A single blade on one side or in themiddle, or blades which tip instead of sliding, or guides made in otherforms, may be substituted for those shown in the drawings, the onlyrequirement being that the guides shall be capable of moving outward toadmit the matrix to the conductor, and subsequently movinginward toretain the matrixin position. In order to secure the positive action ofthese locking-blades, I connect them with each and all of thefinger-keys in such manner that when the key is depressed to deliver thematrix into the conductor it will retract the slides, and that when thekey risesit will permit the slides to engage the matrix just droppedbetween them. A simple arrangement to this end is shown in Figs. 8 and9, in which x represents links extending from the locking-rails u toarms y, extending downward from the shaft of the vibrating nozzle, whichis in turn connected,

as in my previous machine, with a bar, Z, actuated by the arms of thefinger-keys. Of course any equivalent connection between the fingerkeysand locking-rails may be employed.

The several parts are so arranged and proportioned that the matrices mayassume a moderate forward inclination while passing through theconductor, as shown in Fig. 8, it being found that in this position theyride with increased freedom and without danger of binding or clamping.

For the purpose of arresting the matrices as they are driven from theconductor by the blast, so that they may be assembled in close order, Iprovide, as in previous machines, a yielding and laterally-movabledetaining-arm, c', which overlies the conductor-rails, as shown in Figs.14 and 15. This yielding detent is the same as that represented inapplication No. 181,169, except that its face is now provided with acushion or yielding surface, b', for the purpose of lessening the noiseand relieving the wear and shock as the successive matrices are added tothe line.

For the purpose of preventing the matrices y referred to.

from rebounding as they encounter those which precede, I mount in theinner walls of the conductor rails two pivoted spring actuated pawls,c', which permits the matrices to pass freely in a forward direction,butprevent them from returning. For the purpose of adding the successivematrices positively and closely to the line and of advancing the linepositively as the matrices accumulate, I provide the horizontallyreciprocating pawls d', attached to an arched yoke or bar, e', whichspans the conductor, as shown in Fig. 16, so that the matrices may passfreely thereunder. This yoke is attached, as in my previous machine, toa dovetailed bar, f, sliding in a groove in the side of one of theconductor-rails. As shown in Figs. 9 and 11, the barf is pivoted at oneend to a hand-lever, g', having a finger which may be engaged at will ina plate, li, constantly reciprocated by a grooved camwheel, i. 'Iheseconnections impart a constant reciprocation to the pawls d', causingthem to feed the matrices forward one after another as they aredelivered by the blast in reach of the pawls. 'Ihe lever g is heldinengagement with the actuating arm by a spring, j. It may be unlocked atwill, and when thus unlocked it may be carried to the left, so as toadvance the pawls d beyond their ordinary position, causing the pawls inturn to advance the assembled line of matrices over the conductor orguide to the lifting and sustaining rails II in front of the mold-wheel.These parts differ only in the details of construction froml thoserepresented in my application last The expansive space-bars areconstructed in two parts of wedge form, as described in my Patents No.315,525, July 13, 1886, and No. 347,629, August 17, 1886, and aregrouped and retained in position above the conductor D, so that they maydrop one at a time into the conductor as the line of matrices isassembled. I now use for the purpose of supporting these space-bars,whichare provided with sustaining-shoulders at their upper ends, thepeculiar devices represented in Figs. 30, 31, 32, and 33. A box orreceptacle of suitable size to receive the space-bars in an uprightposition is provided with in` clined upper edges or walls, Z', on whichthe IOC shoulders of the space-bars are supported andy down which thebars descend by gravity toward the front. Near their lower ends thesesupporting-walls are formed with shoulders m', against which theshoulders of the foremost bar engage, thus preventing their furtherdescent. A cap, a, is applied to the box in position to cover the upperends of the spacebars, excepting only the one at the front, so that theymay not be lifted out of position. The forward bar has its shouldersexposed beyond this cap in position to be acted upon by the ends of twovertically -vibrating arms, o', secured to a rock-shaft, p. The lowerend of the forward bar is also exposed to the action of alifting-arm,g', connected with the upper arms by a rod, r', so that they rise andfall

